The majority of company car daily journeys could be completed using electric vehicles, new research from ALD Automotive has found.

77% of fleet journeys could be completed by battery electric vehicles, according to ALD.

Analysis of typical company car journeys carried out through ALD’s ProFleet telematics system found that a total of 77% of daily journeys were less than 100 miles a day – within the capabilities of a number of pure electric vehicles now on sale.

The research, which examined a random sample of company cars covering a total of 95,000 miles and 2,396 hours of journey time, also found 52% of daily journeys were less than 50 miles a day.

And the proportion of daily journeys that could be completed by battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is set to grow quickly as range capabilities and public charging infrastructure improve.

Matt Dale, consultancy services manager for ALD Automotive, added that the research also showed increased options for fleets opting for a wider mobility approach. The ProFleet data found that only 12% of daily journeys were more than 150 miles a day and less than 6% of all daily journeys analysed were more than 200 miles – of which a number were actually undertaken when drivers were on holiday.

Dale added: “Increasingly, we’re seeing the opportunity for fleets to employ a more holistic mobility strategy that looks beyond the traditional view of a single company car. For many journeys, public transport, car share, pool or hire cars are the more sensible option from both a cost and convenience perspective. On the few occasions where electric vehicles aren’t practical, drivers can supplement their travel with these more appropriate forms of transport. Fleets may well find that, due to the lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) implications of running Plug-in Hybrid (PHEVs) and BEVs, they can afford to facilitate other smart, mobility solutions and still save money.”

The latest research comes on the back of ALD Automotive’s recent Plug-in Hybrid trial, which revealed that PHEVs can already be an effective alternative to a diesel vehicle, bringing cost savings for both the business and drivers. The findings of the trial are available in a free white paper, which also includes a step-by-step guide for businesses looking to assess the suitability of this type of vehicle for their fleet.

Referring to the company’s latest research, Dale added: “While this analysis shows that BEVs can viably replace the ICE for many journeys, there’s still a perception that it’s a big leap to make. PHEVs, on the other hand, are often seen as a stepping stone towards a fully electric vehicle thanks to the back-up petrol engine. Following the results of our recent trial, fleets may be surprised at just how many of their drivers are suitably placed for this type of vehicle right now.”

To access the ALD Automotive white paper on the results of its PHEV trial, click here.